Overweight Joggers: A Double-Whammy That Increases The Risk Of Heel Spurs

Overweight people often try to manage this problem by performing a variety of exercises. One of the most common of these is jogging. That is because this routine gets the body moving and burns a lot of calories quickly. It is also very inexpensive and easy for most people to get into without difficulty. Unfortunately, jogging may put them at risk of developing heel spurs.

This fact is particularly complicated by their weight. As a result, it is important to understand how being overweight and jogging contributes to this injury. It is also crucial to know what other problems heel spurs influence and how to manage them properly.

Being Overweight Puts Excessive Strain On Your Feet

People who weigh more than they should are putting excessive strain on their feet. While this extra strain won’t damage their feet overnight, it will cause some problems over a period of time. This is particularly the case for people who are trying to get into shape by walking or jogging.

Even walking a mile or two every day will put a strain on your heel that can be damaging if not managed properly. Obviously, you need to exercise to lose weight, so there is a bit of a challenge in managing this situation. It gets even more complicated if you jog for your exercise routine.

Running On Pavement Can Also Increase That Risk

Overweight people who try to get into jogging right away are more likely to cause heel spurs than if they start with walking. That is because running on pavement or other hard surfaces greatly increases the chance of developing heel spurs. Just imagine the pressure that running puts on your heels.

This problem is particularly complicated by the fact that most people don’t understand proper running gait. Many will run or jog awkwardly when they start and put too much or too little weight on their heels. As a result, they are increasing their chance of complicating this concern.

Heel Spurs Can Lead To More Serious Problems

Those who suffer from heel spurs may experience excessive pain when they run or walk. However, there is a chance that they may not notice any symptoms of this problem until it gets worse. For example, heel spurs can lead to plantar fasciitis or an inflammation of the tissue under the sole. This condition causes pain that can make walking or running impossible.

As a result, the jogger will end up being unable to maintain their routine. Even worse, they may end up taking time off of work and sitting around the house. This problem can derail a weight loss program and make it hard for a person to lose the weight they need to be healthy.

How To Manage This Condition

When you develop heel spurs, it is important to manage the inflammation that they can cause. The most important step is to visit an orthopedic specialist right away. They can prescribe you with anti-inflammatory medicines and even a cast to help protect your foot. In some instances, they may be able to teach you how to exercise with spurs without complicating them.

Even better, they can also teach you proper running techniques to avoid complicating the problem and causing it in the future. As a result, you can keep up your exercise routine and lose that excessive weight. This will further decrease your chance of developing these painful problems.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, heel spurs can be a seriously problematic condition for many joggers. It is particularly difficult for overweight joggers because it can sabotage their attempts to slim down. If you are suffering from heel spurs or need to know more about this problem, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can treat your orthopedic problem and help you get back on your feet.